Why is Operational Technology Cybersecurity Essential?

Highlights:

• OT security encompasses the comprehensive suite of hardware and software deployed for monitoring, detecting, and controlling alterations to devices, processes, and events.
• The increasing demand for cyber threat modeling solutions drives market growth as organizations seek advanced capabilities to combat evolving cyber threats proactively.

The significance of industrial cybersecurity has ascended to the forefront of boardroom discussions. As connectivity to external networks expands and attacks on operational technology (OT) increase, operational technology cybersecurity emerges as a paramount concern within these environments.

Nevertheless, numerous companies remain oblivious to the cyber threats confronting their OT assets and frequently lack customized cybersecurity measures tailored to operational technology.

As the distinctions between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology become increasingly indistinct, organizations face pressing inquiries regarding their security investments, particularly concerning Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

The definition of operational technology provided by Gartner is, “Operational technology (OT) is hardware and software that detects or causes a change, through the direct monitoring and control of industrial equipment, assets, processes, and events.”

Given the increasing integration of OT and security, understanding of OT security becomes essential.

What is Operational Technology CyberSecurity?

OT security encompasses the comprehensive suite of hardware and software deployed for monitoring, detecting, and controlling alterations to devices, processes, and events.

Primarily employed to safeguard industrial systems and networks, operational technology security is pivotal in protecting and regulating critical infrastructures like power stations, transportation networks, and smart city appliances.

The question still arises: does cybersecurity pose a threat to OT?

What Are the Operational Technology CyberSecurity Cyber Threats?

The convergence of IT and OT networks has attracted the attention of cybercriminals and aggressive nation-states. Recent reports from FortiGuard Labs Global Threat Landscape indicate a surge in malware and malicious activity targeting OT systems.

Attacks are not confined to nation-state conflicts; cybercriminals target OT systems globally, particularly in manufacturing, leading to ransomware attacks.

Despite efforts, the percentage of organizations experiencing ransomware intrusions remains unchanged from the previous year. With ransomware operations evolving, concerns about this threat persist among organizations surveyed.

While intentional and unintentional insider breaches have decreased, intrusions from malware and phishing attacks have risen significantly, according to survey respondents.

The latest FortiGuard Labs Global Threat Report corroborates the poll results, stating, “Malware has a way of dominating headlines and keeping businesses on their toes.”

As one explores the potential hazards cybersecurity presents to OT, it becomes indisputable that it is vital to comprehend the magnitude of the market for OT security.

Explore the anticipated expansion and pivotal factors influencing this ever-changing market environment.

What Is the Size of the Operational Technology Security Market?

According to a report by Future Market Insights, the OT security market is poised for substantial growth and is projected to reach USD 22.1 billion by 2024.

This surge is driven by increasing interest and insights into OT security, paving the way for new opportunities.

With a projected CAGR of 18.4% from 2024 to 2034, operations technology is expected to reach around USD 119.6 billion by 2034.

One of the factors for operational technology security market growth is the rising adoption of cloud-based OT security solutions, offering cost-effective cybersecurity enhancements across industries.

Cloud deployment eliminates the need for expensive hardware, reducing operational expenses and contributing to market expansion.

Moreover, integrating government initiatives into security standards strengthens OT security systems, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to establish robust security measures.

This collaboration enhances overall resilience, instilling confidence in critical infrastructure protection.

Additionally, the increasing demand for cyber threat modeling solutions drives market growth as organizations seek advanced capabilities to combat evolving cyber threats proactively.

However, challenges such as the shortage of trained security staff and high installation costs hinder widespread adoption.

Organizations must overcome these obstacles to invest in comprehensive security measures and effectively navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

After examining the market size and anticipated expansion of OT security, our attention will now turn to comprehending the fundamental distinctions between security approaches in information technology and operational technology.

This comparative analysis will provide insight into the unique approaches to protecting vital resources and information within these interrelated settings.

What Is the Difference Between Information Technology and Operational Technology Security?

It is imperative to analyze the motivations behind cyber breaches in both environments to gain insight into the divergent strategies of information technology and operational technology security. While IT hackers pursue valuable data, OT hackers seek physical disruption.

In OT settings, hackers exploit vulnerable IoT devices to navigate to central control systems without authentication.

For instance, envision a water bottling plant where a breach in one stage can quietly contaminate the product, resulting in widespread legal and health repercussions.

Conversely, in IT-centric setups, hackers aim to obtain credentials for accessing sensitive personal data. OT malware exerts more control over equipment operations than IT malware and malicious activities.

Consequently, cybersecurity operational technology prioritizes safeguarding physical assets, while IT security centers on preserving data integrity and usage.

Effective cybersecurity operations and technology solutions can promptly halt operations upon detecting equipment malfunctions, enabling swift resolution. In contrast, IT breaches may require prolonged resolution periods due to many potential entry points.

OT breaches, characterized by sequential processes, are comparatively easier to identify and rectify.

Closing Lines

The rise of industrial cybersecurity to the forefront of boardroom discussions underscores the critical importance of operational technology (OT) security in today’s interconnected landscape.

Despite the growing awareness of cyber threats targeting OT assets, many companies still lack customized cybersecurity measures tailored to operational technology.

As the boundaries between IT and operational technology cybersecurity continue to blur, organizations face pressing inquiries regarding their security investments, particularly concerning Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Understanding the fundamentals of OT security is essential in safeguarding industrial systems and networks against cyber threats and ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructures.

As operational technology cybersecurity jobs become the need of the hour, organizations must overcome challenges and invest in comprehensive security measures to effectively navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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